Lavender, Rosemary Kaye Duffy

Rosemary Kaye Duffy Lavender died suddenly at her home in Parnell on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the age of 60 years.

She was born Aug. 30, 1952, in Sigourney, Iowa, the daughter of Shirley Duffy. “Inky,” as she was called, was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Leo P. and Regina (Gaffey) Duffy.

Rosie grew up in Parnell and graduated from Williamsburg High School and latter attended nursing school in Huntington Beach, Calif., where she reunited with her mother. Rosie returned to Parnell and her Irish roots and married Jerry Dhondt. To this union they had a son, Jared. They later divorced. She later married Lars Lavender on March 17, 1997, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua.

Rosie worked at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for 20 plus years before retiring.

Rosie's special joy in family and friends around the Parnell was well known. Her many interests and loves included “junking,” finding Irish memorabilia, gardening, a passion for books, reading and traveling. She lived for St. Patrick's Day and loved her cats and dogs, but most of all caring for her beloved granddaughter, Autumn Regina Dhondt.

She is survived by her husband, Laurence “Lars” of Parnell; a son, Jared Nathan Dhondt, and a granddaughter, Autumn Dhondt, both of Parnell; a stepsister, Rosiemarie (Kevin) Harris of Kansas City, Kan.; and a half brother, Steve Martinson of Coralville.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Martinson; and grandparents, Leo and Regina Duffy.

Celebration of Life service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Parnell. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

A general memorial fund has been established.

Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.

Published May 25, 2013 in The Gazette